Productivity Principle: ‘Predict to Perform’ - Inspired by the book Smarter Faster Better by Charles Duhigg Flashcards
What principle does Charles Duhigg discuss in relation to productivity?
Predict to Perform
Who conducted a study on top performers’ habits at a recruiting firm?
Two economists and a sociologist from MIT
According to the study, what behavior did ‘superstars’ often display in meetings?
They told stories, shared ideas, asked colleagues to imagine scenarios, and practiced pitches.
Fill in the blank: ‘Superstars often engaged in projects outside their area of expertise to _____.
make it harder to predict outcomes, which boosted focus and engagement
True or False: Making predictions increases dopamine and enhances attention.
True
Why do superstars enjoy making predictions about events?
Because it boosts focus, increases dopamine, and helps them anticipate outcomes more accurately.
Who is Judy Willis, and what did she contribute to the principle discussed?
Judy Willis is a neuroscientist who explained how making predictions boosts attention and dopamine levels.
Fill in the blank: Dopamine helps boost attention and reduces ____ in neural networks, enhancing pattern recognition.
noise
What benefit do people get from being wrong about predictions, according to Dr. Judy Willis?
They receive a dopamine boost, often greater than when they succeed.
Why do gamblers keep returning to casinos despite losses?
The dopamine boost from learning something new or unexpected rewards their brains, even with losses.
How can predicting how events will unfold help improve daily productivity?
It helps anticipate distractions, prepares responses to conflicts, and improves focus on key tasks.
Complete the sentence: ‘If you want to be more sensitive to details in your work, ______ as specifically as possible, what you expect to see and do.’
imagine
What habit can enhance awareness, creativity, and performance according to Charles Duhigg?
Imagining detailed stories of upcoming events to sharpen attention.
What should you ask yourself each morning to boost productivity?
What does my quest to ‘get things done’ look like today? What conflicts might I face? How will I respond?
True or False: A habit of telling stories about ongoing situations helps sharpen attention.
True
